The new LDV model is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 165kW of power and 330Nm, and it comes as standard with a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption for the van is rated higher than some rivals, though, at 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

However, it's the only one with an auto as standard, where you have to option that transmission on the HiAce and the iLoad only comes with a manual. The Trafic, Transit Custom and Transporter only have diesel engines, and the Ford and Renault only come in a manual.

The company's importer, Ateco Automotive, is being bullish in the way it pitches the new van, claiming: "Nothing in its class comes remotely close to matching the LDV G10 van for value and performance. Nothing!"

The rear-drive van (another point of difference over the VW and Ford) is said to offer "effortless power and torque, smooth auto gear changes and positive steering response", and on top of that it comes reasonably well equipped.

Standard items include cruise control, power windows, 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and a 7.0-inch LCD touchscreen media system with two speakers. It is fitted with two bucket seats, and there's no option for a three-seat bench.

Safety is well sorted, too, with a reverse-view camera and parking sensors, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, as well as body-roll control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. That said, there are only two airbags (dual front) with no side impact protection.

The G10 measures 5168 millimetres long, 1980mm wide and 1928mm tall, and rides on a 3198mm wheelbase. As standard the van has a single top-hinged rear door and dual-side sliding doors.

At the business end, the LDV G10 has a 1093 kilogram payload and its load space spans 5.2 cubic metres (it measures 2365mm long by 1235mm wide and 1270mm high), which is competitive for mid-size short-wheelbase vans. According to the brand, the van's back-end can swallow two standard pallets (the standard Aussie pallet size is 1165mm by 1165mm).

The G10 comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty, and is covered by a 24-hour roadside assistance program.

LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa, made it clear that the brand has high hopes for its new model.

“We see the G10 van as an absolute game changer,” he said. “The vehicle that will transform LDV from a niche brand to a serious volume contender. The G10 van’s performance, build quality and high level specification speaks for itself.”